It was all about food, friendship and philanthropy at the recent special Jerusalem Foundation of Canada dinner party featuring special guest, award-winning chef, author and restaurateur Michael Solomonov. The Israeli superstar chef, whose Philadelphia-based restaurant, Zahav specializes in modern Israeli cuisine, was named the top U.S. restaurant recently at the James Beard Awards – and the dinner he created for the evening was a show-stopper.

Group shot of members and directors – photo courtesy courtesy Liora Kogan (Liorakogan.com)

The intimate group of donors, board members, directors, supporters, along with the Consul General of Israel, Galit Baram, were treated to such awe-inspiring dishes such as French fries with za’atar, roasted zucchini with zucchini baba, English pea tabbouleh and entrees that included eggplant carpaccio, jewelled Persian rice, Shabazi roast chicken and such desserts as olive oil cake, with fresh fruit and rose water, to name just a few of the dishes created by Solomon and Toronto’s Ace Kosher Culinary Team.

Each dish was an inspiring praise of Jerusalem – and the Foundation that was being celebrated that evening. Organizers described the Foundation as “dedicated to preserving an open, equitable and modern society in Jerusalem through investment in economic growth, education, assistance to vulnerable populations through arts and heritage preservation, and encompassing everyone – be they Jews, Muslims or Christians.”

This year the Jerusalem Foundation of Canada is celebrating 50 years in the country, having recently moved its head office from Montreal to Toronto. This special event shone a special spotlight on the important work that it does, ensuring the organization and its programs continue into the next generation of leadership.

“I’m so excited to be here,” said Solomonov. “I love Toronto – all of Canada – and this particular event…is totally close to my heart.”

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